[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 64 (Thursday, May 9, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        MAGRUDER PRIMARY SCHOOL

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am pleased today to have the 
opportunity to give well deserved recognition to an exemplary 
elementary school. Magruder Primary School in Newport News has been 
selected as a U.S. Department of Education Title I Distinguished 
School.
  At Magruder Primary, ``hard work pays off'' isn't just a motto, it's 
a way of life. In 4 years time Magruder's reading scores leapt 79 
percent--from 1 percent of second-graders reading at or above their 
grade level in 1992 to 80 percent for the most recent school year. 
Having placed last in reading achievement tests in 1992, the school is 
now number five in Newport News.
  Many hard workers are to be commended for this outstanding 
accomplishment: teachers, administrators, parents, business leaders 
and, of course, the students.
  As a strong believer in parental involvement, I am thrilled that 
Magruder's home-school coordinator makes certain that parents are 
actively involved in their child's education. This individual's 
responsibilities run the gamut--from retrieving forgotten permission 
slips to providing parents with homework enrichment tips.
  I would also like to offer a special acknowledgment to the business 
partners who sponsored home reading programs, special assemblies and 
student incentives.
  Mr. President, as stated in a recent Newport News Daily Press 
article, Magruder's demographics had the school destined for supposed 
failure. Eighty-four percent of its students receive free lunches; 69 
percent live with only one parent. Other schools should take note. If 
Magruder Primary School can improve its reading scores, others can too.
  Magruder Primary School stands as a beacon for the wise use of 
Federal dollars. While we must reign in an often intrusive government, 
some government programs are clearly worthwhile. Title I funding for 
our Nation's schools is such a program. Title I funding has helped 
Magruder Primary achieve this important success.

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